[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] EmpireBattles
so, i decided to try something new... i uninstalled Windows live 12, and installed a backed up version of live 11 installer, and let it update... and now H2 launches perfectly .
So, for some reason, the fresh release/install of "Windows live essentials 12" (wl mail, messenger, writer, movie maker, etc etc) does something to screw up H2... but the Windows live essentials 11, which updates to 12, allows H2 to work perfectly fine.
So i guess an extra trouble shooting tactic can be reverting to older MS stuff :P[/quote]
Typical fix (or attempt?) X and break Y. Glad you got it sorted OP :)

so, i decided to try something new... i uninstalled Windows live 12, and installed a backed up version of live 11 installer, and let it update... and now H2 launches perfectly .
So, for some reason, the fresh release/install of "Windows live essentials 12" (wl mail, messenger, writer, movie maker, etc etc) does something to screw up H2... but the Windows live essentials 11, which updates to 12, allows H2 to work perfectly fine.
So i guess an extra trouble shooting tactic can be reverting to older MS stuff :P

Hired Gun ported the game horribly. Literally, it's so poorly coded that in some cases there isn't even an explanation for why the game doesn't work...it just won't.
It's had various issues such as the one you're describing, pointless crashes, GFWL errors (usually fixed by updating the client first before the game), poor optimisation with some users struggling to maintain 60fps on PC's more powerful than mine whereas i have no trouble (inconsistent optimisation), poor net code, graphics settings aren't that improved over Xbox (i believe someone said it just upscales rather than true resolutions but unsure of that), Aim assist for 360 controller is superior to M+K due to the way the M+K is implemented etc.
The list could go on. And lets not forget, to add to all these bugs which may warrant a new install (or attempted install ^.^) it uses up the one of 5 CD key installs after which, the game will become useless, requiring a new copy.
Cool game huh? I wish Gearbox or someone else had ported the game, Halo 2 possibly could have been a good game for PC. Not outstanding, but still a good/decent game like the original Halo was.

The crazy thing is. it worked one day, i re-installed, and the next day it didn't work... no logical reasoning for it. XD
Being a CS major, i dont think its just a simple "doesn't work for some"... gotta be some reason behind it.